Wheelchair Accessible , Thailand, London, Hong Kong, Edinburgh, Scotland, New Haven, CT

GLOBAL ACCESS NEWS TRAVEL E-ZINE
VOLUME V, NUMBER 4, April 2004
Copyright © 2004, Global Access News
http://www.globalaccessnews.com/

Please note: Any Internet links mentioned in this E-Zine were verified as functioning as of the date on this E-Zine. Websites and e-mail addresses, however, change frequently, so changes may have occurred after that date.

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Welcome to the April 2004 issue of the Global Access News Travel E-Zine. In this issue, we cover the global travel gamut. Experience the latest in accessible London transportation. Learn how to navigate the streets of Hong Kong, China, and share a weekend getaway to New Haven, Connecticut.

Thanks to everyone for taking the time to write us and share your travel tips and experiences.

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CONTENTS

1. LONDON DUMPS DOUBLE-DECKER BUSES
2. THAIFOCUS
3. HONG KONG TRANSPORTATION
4. NORTHWEST AIRLINES FINED FOR DISCRIMINATION
5. EDINBURGH, SCOTLAND: DISABLED GO
6. NEW HAVEN, CONNECTICUT GETAWAY

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1. LONDON DUMPS DOUBLE-DECKER BUSES

London, England is now in the process of dumping their red double-decker buses (the Routemasters) and replacing them with a fleet of lowered-floor buses with easy wheelchair access. Half of the double-decker buses will be gone this year and the rest by 2005. The old Routemasters were a big favorite with able-bodied tourists, but their steps (and lack of lift) prevented wheelchair riders from using them throughout the metropolis. Disabled bus users can thank the European Union for requiring that all their member countries have wheelchair accessible buses available by 2016.

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2. THAIFOCUS

Disabled travelers to Thailand, the “Land of Smiles,” may want to consider using Thaifocus to assist them with their accessible trip planning. Thaifocus’ guides and drivers are trained to help disabled travelers organize their itineraries by taking into account the need for accessible sightseeing, and scheduling tour vans suitable for wheelchair users. Learn more at http://www.thaifocus.com/disabledt.htm

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3. HONG KONG TRANSPORTATION

Anyone who’s ever visited Hong Kong, China knows that it’s not the easiest city for a disabled person to navigate. The following helpful site, “A Guide to Public Transport for People with Disabilities” hopes to change all that. Click on the link titled “Existing Public Transport Facilities” and then scroll through the site available in both Chinese and English versions.
http://www.info.gov.hk/td/eng/services/disable_index.html

Additional information on accessible Hong Kong is available in our Travel Archives at http://globalaccessnews/otherdestinations.html

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4. NORTHWEST AIRLINES FINED FOR DISCRIMINATION

The U.S. Government recently reached a settlement of $225,000 with Northwest Airlines for their violations of the Access Carriers Act, which protects disabled fliers from discrimination. Northwest had not provided storage space for disabled fliers’ folding wheelchairs. The U.S. government, however, returned most of the penalty money to the airline so they could use it to make their carriers more accessible. Northwest plans to install the necessary storage closets on 27 of its jets.

Learn more about how the Access Carriers Act can protect disabled travelers from discrimination. Visit the Department of Transportation web site at http://airconsumer.ost.dot.gov/rules/382SHORT.htm

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5. EDINBURGH, SCOTLAND: DISABLED GO

Disabled Go is a boon to disabled Edinburgh, Scotland residents and travelers alike. Whether it’s accommodations, transportation or famous historical sites, readers can check out the accessibility before going at http://www.disabledgo.info/

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5. NEW HAVEN, CONNECTICUT GETAWAY

Robert Bennett, of Long Island, NY, journeyed by Amtrak railway to New Haven, Connecticut for a weekend of fun and sightseeing. Share his accessible travels at http://www.globalaccessnews.com/newhaven.htm

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Global Access News welcomes your travel reports, tips and comments at clearpath@cox.net Thanks for sharing!

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